Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu has said the government is working to modernise existing national policies and introduce advanced technological measures at the field level to reduce deaths from lightning strikes, as well as to address the growing risks of climate change and natural disasters.
He made the remarks on Monday while replying to written questions from Members of Parliament during the second session of the 13th National Parliament (Budget Session).
In response to a question from Reserved Women’s Seat-10 MP Nilofar Chowdhury Moni, the minister said the government has already formulated key legal and policy frameworks, including the Disaster Management Act 2012, the National Disaster Management Policy 2015, the Disaster Management Plan (2021–2025) and the Standing Orders on Disaster (SOD).
He added that efforts are underway to further update and modernise these frameworks as part of strengthening disaster risk reduction and climate resilience. As part of this process, revisions to the SOD and the formulation of a new National Disaster Management Plan for the 2026–2030 period have been initiated.
The minister also said initiatives are being taken to strengthen trained manpower, enhance technological capacity, and expand research activities in disaster management. In this context, he noted that the Prime Minister has inaugurated the construction of the National Disaster Management Research and Training Institute, which is expected to further bolster the country’s disaster management capabilities.
Responding to a question raised by Member of Parliament from the Reserved Women’s Seat-2 Shirin Sultana regarding deaths caused by lightning strikes, the minister said the government has undertaken a range of initiatives to reduce fatalities in lightning-prone areas across the country.
He said the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, local administrations, and other relevant agencies are working in close coordination to mitigate lightning-related risks and enhance public awareness.
The minister added that lightning forecasts generated through modern weather monitoring systems are being disseminated to the public via mass media, social media platforms, and the Integrated Voice Response (IVR) system to ensure timely alerts.
He further said that awareness campaigns are being conducted at the field level through leaflets, posters, and special drills. In addition, the government is taking steps to install farmer shelters-cum-lightning protection rods in vulnerable areas and to expand large-scale tree plantation programmes, particularly involving palm trees, as part of its broader risk-reduction strategy.
